I've written to share my admiration for environmental and social justice leaders before, as well as to celebrate local authors; however, I haven't yet shined the spotlight on Lawrence-based scholar, poet and essayist Elizabeth (Beth) Schultz. Her writing shares connections to the natural world in thoughtful prose and poetry and her influential work to further environmental…

I am captivated by the storytelling of Jackalope Lamat Kelly, also known as Jack or Jaq. The short stories and flash fiction in Jackalope by Denise Low feature the Indigenous-centered, anthropomorphic and playful excursions of one inter-gender cryptid. These tales are based on the long-lived legend of a hybrid offspring from a jackrabbit mating with…

"Youth" by Langston Hughes We have tomorrow Bright before us Like a flame. Yesterday A night-gone thing A sun-down name And dawn — today Broad arch above The road we came We march Americans together! We march! Langston Hughes made his mark at the forefront of Harlem Renaissance literature and became the first African-American writer…

Lynn Burlingham has had quite the journey, with New York, London, and even stops in Norway all in the mix before finding herself here in Lawrence. Her latest book, Jewels that Speak, recounts her life while offering a look into two storied families of her heritage: the psychoanalytical Freuds and the glass forging Tiffanys, each…

Writing by our local authors is rich and diverse in both mood and voice. My current focus is on such writing that provides a sense of place. This is an invitation to explore outside spaces with local authors in a series of events aptly titled Local Authors Outside. I also want to encourage you to…

I am hopeful that this 4th of July will inspire more than just a feeling of patriotism or nationalism. I am hopeful that it will instead encourage hope for social justice and move away from a nationalism that leans dangerously toward prejudice and injustices—especially during this national holiday. I offer the books highlighted here as…

Lawrence has a vibrant, diverse literary heritage. Read on to discover notable writers connected to Lawrence and learn about local author events. If you aspire to write and share your own writing, local opportunities are included as well. Whether you’re a reader or writer, there’s useful information for everyone. Lawrence’s notable authors include so…

I have a deep sense of pride for our community’s most creative citizens; savoring local artists’ and authors’ works is often more satisfying than fine dining. Lawrence-based artist and author Stephen T. Johnson’s work is among the finest. His children’s picture books are award-winning: A is for Art: An Abstract Alphabet was named one of…

by Shirley Braunlich May 3, 2016 Lawrence author George Frazier celebrates the wilderness he finds in Kansas, lyrically linking the present with the past in his new book The Last Wild Places of Kansas: Journeys Into Hidden Landscapes. The Last Wild Places of Kansas reads virtually as smoothly as song lyrics, interconnecting personal and historical…